Alberta is Calling: Why People Keep Moving to Calgary (2026 Update)
The "Alberta is Calling" campaign helped drive record interprovincial migration to Alberta, and Calgary remains far more affordable than Toronto or Vancouver. But 2026 is not 2022: prices have risen since the campaign launched, and the government's $5,000 moving bonus is a closed, skilled-trades tax-credit program — not a general relocation cheque. Confirm any program details directly with the Government of Alberta.
Why people keep choosing Calgary over Toronto and Vancouver — with the real 2026 numbers, not the 2022 hype.
What "Alberta is Calling" actually is
In August 2022, the Government of Alberta launched a talent-recruitment marketing campaign called "Alberta is Calling." Its goal was straightforward: convince skilled, working-age people in Canada's two most expensive housing markets — Toronto and Vancouver — to consider moving to Alberta.
The first phase went live on August 15, 2022, with advertising running in Toronto and Vancouver across radio, digital, social media, and transit. Riders passing through Toronto's Bloor-Yonge subway station, for example, were greeted by images of Alberta's landscapes and cities alongside facts about life in the province. The campaign's core message centred on three things Alberta could offer that Toronto and Vancouver struggled to: more affordable housing, strong job opportunities, and lower taxes, plus shorter commutes.
The campaign has been relaunched in later phases since 2022. It is a provincial government initiative — a marketing and recruitment effort, not a program run by any real estate professional.
Did it work? The migration numbers
The timing lined up with a remarkable stretch of movement into Alberta. According to Statistics Canada data, Alberta recorded a net interprovincial migration gain of roughly 56,000 people between July 2022 and July 2023 — the largest annual net interprovincial gain for any province or territory since comparable data began in the early 1970s.
Most of those movers came from Ontario and British Columbia — the very provinces the campaign targeted. Over that period, interprovincial migration accounted for a significant share of Alberta's population growth, which was the fastest of any province.
It is fair to say Alberta, and Calgary in particular, saw exceptional in-migration during this window. It is not accurate to credit any single ad campaign for all of it — affordability, jobs, and remote-work flexibility all played a role. Migration figures also shift year to year, so treat these as a snapshot of 2022–2023, not a permanent trend.
The "$5,000 moving bonus" — read this carefully
Many people first hear about "Alberta is Calling" through a $5,000 bonus. Here is the honest, current picture, because there is a lot of confusion online.
The "Alberta is Calling: Moving Bonus" was a $5,000 refundable tax credit offered by the Government of Alberta. It was not a general "move to Calgary and get a cheque" program. Its key features:
- It was aimed at skilled tradespeople in eligible occupations, to address labour shortages in the trades.
- It was limited to a capped number of applicants (up to roughly 2,000), assessed first-come, first-served.
- Eligibility was tied to moving to Alberta within a specific window and meeting residency, employment, and tax-residency conditions.
Current status: The application portal for this bonus closed on March 15, 2026. As of this 2026 update, new applications are not being accepted. Because government programs change, and phases can be reopened or replaced, you should confirm the current status directly with the Government of Alberta rather than relying on this article or any third party.
To be clear: this bonus is a government program. It is not something Mohammad, or any REALTOR®, provides, administers, or can promise. Anyone guaranteeing you a moving bonus is not describing this program accurately.
Calgary vs. Toronto vs. Vancouver: the 2026 price reality
Here is where honesty matters most. The 2022 campaign leaned heavily on affordability, and Calgary is still far more affordable than Toronto or Vancouver. But prices have risen meaningfully in Calgary since 2022, so do not assume the numbers from the campaign's launch still apply.
Based on the most recent figures available at the time of writing (June 2026):
| Market | Approx. benchmark / aggregate home price (2026) | Recent trend |
|---|---|---|
| Calgary (CREB benchmark, all residential) | ~$572,500 | Roughly flat / slightly below last year |
| Toronto / GTA (aggregate) | ~$1.05 million | Down year-over-year |
| Vancouver / GVA | ~$1.2 million | Down year-over-year |
Within Calgary, benchmark prices vary a lot by property type — detached homes sat around $750,500 in June 2026, while apartment-style condominiums were closer to $299,000. In 2026, Calgary's market has been comparatively stable, while Toronto and Vancouver have seen softening prices.
These are benchmark and aggregate figures that change monthly. They are a starting point for orientation, not a valuation of any specific home.
Why people still choose Calgary in 2026
Even with higher prices than in 2022, the core case for Calgary that the campaign highlighted largely holds:
- Relative affordability: A typical Calgary home still costs a fraction of a comparable Toronto or Vancouver property.
- No provincial sales tax: Alberta remains the only province without a PST, which affects everyday cost of living.
- Jobs and economy: Calgary continues to diversify beyond energy into technology, logistics, and other sectors.
- Lifestyle: Proximity to the Rocky Mountains, generally shorter commutes than the largest metros, and a range of established and new communities.
None of this is a guarantee that Calgary is right for you. Whether a move makes sense depends on your job, family, finances, and long-term plans — which is exactly what a conversation with a licensed professional is for.
Thinking about a move? Sensible next steps
If Calgary is on your radar, a practical, no-pressure approach beats reacting to headlines:
- Verify any government program yourself at the Government of Alberta's official website before counting on it.
- Get current, neighbourhood-level pricing rather than relying on province-wide averages.
- Line up the right professionals — a licensed REALTOR® for the housing side, and separately an accountant, immigration consultant, or mortgage professional for tax, immigration, or financing questions.
You can learn more about the local market through our Calgary market updates and community guides, or get in touch to talk through your specific situation.
Ready to answer the call?
If Alberta is calling you, I help buyers relocating from across Canada. Read the full Alberta Advantage guide, see my relocation page, or ask about buying a new build with cash back. Muslim buyers can explore halal financing too. Book a free call and I will help you plan the move.
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Frequently Asked Questions
This article is for general information only and reflects data available as of July 2026. It is not tax, immigration, financial, or legal advice, and it is not a guarantee of any outcome, price, or government program benefit. Home prices and migration figures are benchmark/aggregate estimates that change over time and do not represent the value of any specific property. The "Alberta is Calling" campaign and the "Alberta is Calling: Moving Bonus" are Government of Alberta programs; their availability, eligibility, and status can change — confirm current details directly with the Government of Alberta. For tax, immigration, or financing decisions, consult the appropriate licensed professionals. Mohammad is a licensed REALTOR® and does not administer or provide any government incentive.
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